Kip James Shoots!

Kip James conducted an interview with Showdown.net recently, that may very well lead to a ton of heat, or end his TNA run all together.

To give you an idea of how this interview played out. Kip stated in no uncertain terms that he would "leave TNA in a heartbeat" if WWE offered him enough money. He mentioned that he left WWE on good terms and was just victim of management wanting to refresh the locker room.

When asked about Cena using a version of Kip’s Fame-Asser at the Rumble, Kip stated that Cena steals a lot of stuff, but its okay because Cena "is limited."

You think that's cold? Keep reading...

He talked about how most of the Voodoo Kin Mafia material has not been written by Vince Russo, but has in fact come from himself and BG James.

He stated that Vince McMahon's ego will not allow himself to comment on VKM on WWE TV. Kip went on to say that McMahon probably "loves" the angle since it was his original idea when they did it with DX and WCW.

When asked about TNA’s staple, the X Division, Kip said "When you've seen one X Division match you have seen them all."

Kip talked about how wrestling has gotten away from soap opera-like cliffhangers that make people want to watch your show the following week. He followed that by saying something that has been said on this site many times before: TNA gives the fans too much in one hour and they are not leaving the fans wanting more the following week.

OK, you want some real heat seeking?

Kip says TNA is “wasting” Bobby Roode. He echoed my comments from our interview with Roode, that he is going to be a HUGE star. James however feels that Roode will not reach superstar status in TNA because "they don't know how" [to properly push a talent].

At that point, The former King Of The Ring joked that he is probably going to get fired tomorrow at the TNA tapings for what he said in this interview.

Kip admitted to having legit heat with former WWE talent Rico Constantino (who was Kip’s manager for a short time on “SmackDown!”)

Kip showed his old school colours, saying “women have no place in the wrestling ring”. He did put over Miss Texas (Jacqueline) and Luna Vachon as the only two that could wrestle like men. Kip continued on to say he didn't like Lita. When asked about the women in TNA forming their own division, he replied bluntly. He said putting the "ugly ass" girls of TNA into a new women's division would be a big waste of TNA's already limited time.

Kip says the addition of Kurt Angle to TNA is a good thing for TNA. The hosts mention the upcoming "all WWE main event" of the TNA PPV and Kip said he really doesn't want to see it and that he will probably drive home before the match even starts. Kip said he doesn't even remember when the next TNA PPV is taking place.

Kudos to the guys at Showdown for pulling this out…

I’m personally surprised that a veteran would be so casual with his bluntness to a global audience. He’s either working everyone, has no fear of being fired, or WANTS to be fired.

Similar comments a couple years back led to Kid Kash being canned by TNA. Shortly thereafter he turned up in OVW and then on “SmackDown!”

Time will tell what Kip James’ agenda was.

read more...

Who Would You Pay To See?

Yesterday I had a conversation with a friend of mine who runs a local wrestling promotion. We got into a line of chat that I’ve had with many promoters over the years.

It’s the question of: To bring in a name, or not to bring in a name. And if you do, who?

At times, I no longer feel qualified to answer this question because I’m not the average wrestling fan. I don’t pop for the same things many people do (probably from years of being desensitized) and I certainly have different tastes.

I also haven’t PAID to go to a wrestling show in more than ten years. I’ve been to hundreds of shows over that span of time – I’ve just never had to pay. I’ve either been working at the show, covering it, or had a friend who just kicked open the back door.

So that being said, it’s hard for me to answer “Who would you pay to see?”. I would have thought that Samoa Joe coming to Ontario last month would have had a much bigger impact that he did. The Stranglehold show was fairly packed, but the other two events that Joe headlined that weekend were probably hoping for a few more tickets sold.

I watched BSE put on a show in December that featured Christian Cage and Lance Storm busting their ass in a match of the year candidate. That show had about 300 people in a relatively small venue… but if I was promoting that show, I’d be hoping for a much bigger venue.

I know the days of 5,000 people at every indy show are long gone. Televised wrestling killed that. But still, there must be something we’re missing here.

Here’s my question to you, the loyal Osters. If an indy fed in your town was running a show with a ticket price of 20 bucks… who or WHAT would you want to see?

Keep in mind, certain guys have been completely priced out of the market. I don’t know what Brock Lesnar would want but I assume it would include someone’s first born child and big barrel of bills.

Would you shell out to see your fav TNA star? An old school talent? Does the idea of attending a wrestling workshop run by marquee names appeal to you – even if you have no interest in becoming a wrestler?

Would you prefer just supporting the local guys who are trying to perfect their craft?

Fill me in folks….

read more...

The Genius At Work

It just wouldn't be WrestleMania season without a few Hulk Hogan public appearances to try and get under the skin of Vince McMahon. Hulk Hogan's appearance last week at UFC "Ultimate Fight Night" was another slippery political maneuver in the long history of Hulkster power plays. If that wasn't enough, the appearance of Kurt Angle on the Bubba The Love Sponge radio show where Angle said TNA was in negotiations with Hogan added more fuel to the fire.

To clear up any confusion, Hulk Hogan will NEVER wrestle in TNA. Hulk Hogan has in the past and will continue to use TNA, his pal Bubba The Love Sponge, and now UFC as pawns in his game with Vince McMahon in order to get a spot, and a big pay day, at WrestleMania.

The first of Hogan's many public jabs at Vince was in 2001. After the demise of WCW, Hogan and Jimmy Hart decided to start their own promotion called XWF. Hogan was the top babyface star on a roster that included Curt Hennig and The Nasty Boys. Hogan also began making appearances on, you guessed it, Bubba The Love Sponge claiming he was going to become a better wrestling promoter than Vince McMahon and XWF was the new force in professional wrestling.

Shortly thereafter, a phone call was placed to Hulk Hogan offering him the main event spot at WrestleMania 18 against Steve Austin. XWF immediately folds. The spot designed for Steve Austin went to The Rock after Austin refused to do business with Hogan. XWF was completely orchestrated in order to make Vince sweat. After the "WCW invasion" angle was completley botched, Vince needed to salvage what he could from his investment. Hogan played Vince perfectly and scored a great pay for his match with The Rock.

Hogan also played Jeff Jarrett and other TNA execs in October of 2003. After a match with Masa Chono for New Japan Pro Wrestling, Jeff Jarrett attacked Hulk Hogan with his guitar to set-up a potential match between the two in TNA. After months of negotiations, the deal seemed to be in place. TNA went as far as to show the footage from the angle on their pay-per-view. Hogan however had other ideas on his mind. The match never happened as the whole angle was Hogan's way to try and get Vince jealous enough so The Hulkster could make a return at WrestleMania 20.

The plan didn't work, as Hogan did not return to WrestleMania 20 nor any WWE television in 2004. This didn't stop Hogan from mentioning how big of a fan he was of TNA on his many Bubba The Love Sponge appearances all throghout that year.

Hulk Hogan returned strong in 2005 with an appearance at WrestleMania 21 and at Summerslam where he wrestled Shawn Michaels in one of the most purchased pay-per-view's ever. Unfortunately, The Hulkster was unhappy about how little money he got for that match. Hogan remarked how the payoff for his match with Shawn Michaels "wasn't even good enough for my limo driver." It seems Brooke's singing career is costing the Hogan family more than just their dignity.

After not being able to draw the same kind of response for his match with Randy Otron in 2006, people are beginning to wonder whether Hogan's drawing power is diminishing. Realizing this, the Hulkster makes his appearance on UFC television and got his name mentioned by TNA's top wrestler. Whether he can draw money or not, Hogan knows the easiest way to Vince McMahon's wallet is by making his blood boil. The man is simply a genius.

However there is one man that Hogan cannot seem to play. Stone Cold Steve Austin. While in WCW Hogan refused to work with the young "Stunning" Steve Austin and now the tables have turned. Austin will occassionally hint that he would be willing to wrestle Hogan, but my guess is, this is Austin's way of trying to out-Hogan, Hogan. Austin has absolutely learned from the best.

read more...

In Honor Of A Wizard's Father

This is a brief piece to pay respect to the father of a great man. Gordo, The Wizard Of Id is perhaps the greatest champion for Ontario Independent Wrestling. He is a mainstay at virtually every indy show across the province, he is a staunch supporter of women’s wrestling and is a defender of the business in an era where many simply try to discredit it. He is a massive contributor to the Declaration Of Independents, and has an uncanny sense of humor.

Gordo, who has worked for many indies as a manager, ring announcer or colour commentator is always willing to help out. Anytime Dan-e-o and I attend an event, you can be sure you’ll hear his megaphone like voice belting out “O SHOW IN THAAA HOOOOOUSE!

It is with a heavy heart and much sympathy that I inform you that Gordo’s father passed away earlier today.

I haven’t yet spoken to Gordo, (although, he did send me an email just prior to finding out about his dad) but from what some of his closer friends in the biz (and he has a lot of them) have told me, the older Id had battled cancer for the past twenty years, and was suffering horribly from Alzheimer’s Disease.

I never met Gordo’s dad. Truth be told, I don’t even know the gentleman’s name… but to quote Bloody Bill Skullion “if he was responsible for conceiving the Wiz, he must have been a helluva character.”

On behalf of all of us here at Tha O Show , our deepest condolences go to Gordo, Mrs. Id and the entire family.

You can contact Gordo yourself and extend your best wishes to him during this difficult time.

read more...

Fan Depreciation Night

So WWE fans, after last night's edition of "Raw", do you feel appreciated? Do you feel like you are getting your money's worth? Was your two hours watching WWE's flagship program on Monday night time well spent?

Chances are, the answers to all of those questions are "no". They are for me, anyway. Funny how a day after feeling so let down by one of my favourite pay-per-views, Vince McMahon comes out to provide "Fan Appreciation Night". I truly don't think Vince appreciates me all that much. I think that dude is actually smelling his own shit and loving it.

Is this kayfabe or does Vince really think that he can tell us what to like - and we'll like it?

Someone fuckin' shoot me...does John Cena now hold TWO titles?!! Am I supposed to like that Vince? Why are you doing this to me? What have I done to you? Most of that money falling from the rafters last night in Texas is what I've spent on your company for the better part of my life. Appreciate me dammit! Give me something enjoyable to watch again!!!

Man, WWE has forgotten all about how to represent their championships. Am I the only one that remembers that Cryme Tyme "earned" the right to a World Tag Team Title match as a result of their win at New Year's Resolution? Why is there no mention of this whatsoever on "Raw"? Why (oh God WHY?) are John Cena and Shawn Michaels the new tag champs?

Instead, the number one contenders (yeah right) for the tag straps jobbed to the World's Greatest Tag Team last night. As well, they should anyways...Haas and Benjamin are great. Also, I noticed no mention of Charlie Hass' new corn row hairdo or the word "Haastyle" on the back of his ring entrance gear. Put these guys over already! Give THEM the straps!!

I guess as far as the Women's Championship is concerned, the E is going to give some burn to a Melina/Mickie James program. There goes Victoria's push. Not that Melina isn't worthy of being a "first contender" (as she said when she grabbed the mic before her match with Maria). I must say, the solitary spanish phrase she spoke to Super Crazy in the back was sexy! Not that she isn't sexy as hell already.

But let's be honest...do we care that much about THAT title?

On to the WWE Championship scene...so Umaga loses to Cena at the Rumble...and has to start back at square one. Last night, he squashes Val Venis. Capitivating. He'll be back in the title picture in no time! Geez. Not sure who I feel sorry for more...Umaga or Val.

At least there was one "O" last night. Well not really...but just a funny moment. I couldn't help but crack up when Jonathan Coachman added "ten dollars of (his) own money" to the stash he collected for Mr. McMahon after Donald Trump gave it away to the fans in attendance. It was a nice save for a lame clearly pre-recorded promo (if you will) cut by The Donald that McMahon made ever-so-obvious by trying to converse with it. Where this angle is going is beyond me.

Quick question...although Torrie Wilson is one of the sexiest thirtysomethings on television, how dumb does she look at ringside holding a dog and an apple?

Second quick question...who the hell was that interviewing Vladimir Kozlov at ringside?

Last really quick question...why is Vladimir Kozlov still being interviewed? The "Double Double E" line is so stale now.

Here's proof Jim Ross is falling off. He ends the show with: "My God ladies and gentleman, it is apparent that The Undertaker has seemingly made it clear that he is coming for John Cena's WWE Championship".

Well...is it apparent or obvious? Is it seemingly or clear? What's the deal JR? I'm probably just nitpicking...I am, after-all an under-appreciated fan.

Looks like they're going to tease The Undertaker's 'decision' for a little bit. But does it matter? I don't care what belt he goes for, he better damn well win it! Can the current champs in WWE be any worse?

This article is clearly filled with more questions than answers. Obviously I'm bewildered by the series of events taking place in WWE as of late. So much so that I forgot to change my roster this week in the WWE Fantasy game! Beware O-sters, Big Daddy Donnie is taking it really seriously this time around, (as is proven by the early success of his team meant to be an attempt at ribbing me - "Dan-e-o loves Cena"). It's all he could talk about during the Rumble!

Here are Tha O League standings after Week 1 of our second season:

1 Tha Hitman - 414 pts
2 Dan-e-o loves Cena - 403 pts
3 Sketch - 398 pts
4 Team_Rated_RKO - 393 pts
5 Smashin' Masters 2K7 - 392 pts
6 Team Boudreau - 389 pts
7 TheEndustry - 369 pts
8 I love ThaOShow.Com - 368 pts
9 Rizo's Roster - 347 pts
10 Metal Gods - 345 pts
11 Goatbusters - 325 pts
12 Methods Of Mayhem - 320 pts
13 BigDaddyDonnie - 319 pts
14 Kelly's Killers - 314 pts
15 wrestling4life - 314 pts
16 JorJorBynks - 310 pts
17 D-Generation Next - 309 pts
18 Dan-e-o - 309 pts
19 The O Noes! - 260 pts
20 The Kickassters - 250 pts
21 Rapsfan - 66 pts
22 Illinois' Finest - 0 pts

read more...

Royal Fumble

Damn, did WWE ever drop the ball last night. You know, year after year, us wrestling fans mark out for the Royal Rumble event.

Same way we mark out for WrestleMania. Every year. No matter how bad the event may have been the previous year. Why? Because SOMEHOW, SOMEWAY WWE manages to keep us as fans.

After watching Royal Rumble last night, it really got me wondering why. I've been a wrestling fan for what feels like my entire life...and in that time, I've had MANY friends fall off the wrestling map. My own brother, who I grew up wrestling with - who by the way, was still willing to shell out $200 for front row seats to Unforgiven this past September - does not watch wrestling regularly anymore.

It seems some people get it and some people don't. And more often than not, these days, I have to ask...which one am I?

Basing my answer on last night's pay-per-view, perhaps I don't get it. I still watch wrestling. I still love it. I still think Royal Rumble is a great pay-per-view. And chances are, this time next year, I will be watching the event again while people like my brother will be doing better things with their time. But why?

Royal Rumble SUCKED last night! I honestly hate having to post negative articles on Tha O Show...but the lameness of last night's event cannot be ignored.

Where do any of the participants from the MNM/Hardys match go from here? The Hardys win again!? Mercury gets no revenge...and therefore no forseeable inkling of a push or angle to elevate his character in anyway. Nitro's quest to perhaps regain the IC strap looks dimmer. The Hardys seem to be an indestructible tag-team...except they're not really a tag-team on the same show so...they'll go on to do what? Same as they did before.

Have Matt toil in "SmackDown!" mid-card status and have Jeff continue to NOT defend his Intercontinental Championship on a regular basis. Forget that Tha O Show went 0 for 4 in predicting the outcome of this match...the finish just didn't make sense. And quite honestly, for an MNM/Hardys battle, the bout was mediocre at best.

To even discuss the so-called ECW Championship Match would be a waste of the next few lines of text you'll be reading. My apologies, in advance, to your eyes.

First off, as Big Daddy Donnie commented - there should have been a mention of once-ECW champ Bam Bam Bigelow...there wasn't. Come to think of it, has WWE even acknowledged his passing on TV yet?

Either way, a countout? And on a PPV?! Test walks away from the ring...so that Bobby Lashley can retain the ECW World Title...via a countout. Seriously, the booker of this match deserves a stiff chair shot. There aren't even supposed to be countouts in ECW! Let alone, lame ass non-extreme muscleheads who can barely put on a half-intriguing contest vying for this belt. Needless to say, this match was a shame and nowhere near worthy of representing Extreme Championship Wrestling.

Now, I knew Batista was going to hold on to the World Championship. I just knew it. Sorry Ben Boudreau, Big Daddy and I REALLY wanted a Kennedy win...but WWE creative hates us. You should have known better.

Kennedy put on a wrestling clinic in my opinion. Excellent moves, especially the reverse figure-four leg lock submission. It wasn't just his moves but his ring psychology was impressive as well. Pin-pointing a spot on Batista - in this case, working on the knee - is a perfect way to bring down a big man and show your technical prowess as well. Kennedy is definitely championship material. In the ring and on the mic - and I think that goes without saying.

But in John Cena-like fashion, the champion over on "SmackDown!" also can pull out a win by executing nothing more than his finisher. I hope Kennedy's push is not done and that he is still involved in the main event at WrestleMania like I predicted. But for a somewhat decent match, this finish also stunk.

Now, here we go. John Cena VS. Umaga. Do we even need to discuss it? I'm sure you O-sters can picture the heavy extended sigh I'm emitting as I write these lines. I knew from the opening bell that Cena would win this match. It was inevitable. I'm not sure how it makes sense to have all champions going into WrestleMania as babyfaces...but by the end of this match, it was more than clear that Royal Rumble was really Babyface Night in San Antonio.

At least the finish was better than the damn roll-up at New Year's Resolution. I suppose if there's anyway to keep Umaga down for a count of ten, it's to choke him out with the ring ropes. Umaga, at least, threw some O's our way including his splash through an announce table. And, of course, true to his nature, John Cena weaved in and out of selling his rib injuries.

What was the deal with Umaga jumping off of the second rope to crush Cena's ribs...twice...only to get stiffed on the third attempt (which Big Daddy accurately called before it happened)...to have Cena jump up like nothing happened, spring off two sets of ropes and hit the Samoan with a running shoulder-block?? Wow, do those ribs heal quickly! Watching Cena is truly painful.

Now I'm an Undertaker mark. Always have been. I predicted he would win the Rumble...nothing special on my part or anything...and he did. Great...Taker is back in the main event at Mania. I'm personally down with that. Big Daddy wanted HBK in there...tough titties bro.

Michaels really is awesome though. It was good to see HBK and Taker actually have a match when it was down to the two of them. Definition of a pro: match is done, Michaels has been tossed from the ring...he sits there and sells how upset he is on missing his chance to headline at WrestleMania. Great job.

Anyway, here's my problem. With the way things have been going lately...I'm pretty nervous about the potential outcome of WrestleMania 23. There have been countless times that O-sters and wrestling fans alike have made the claim that they will 'never' watch WWE or wrestling altogether again if such and such thing were to occur. 9 times out 9 - that's bullshit.

Here's something that would actually make me stick to such a statement...should I ever make it. If Batista stops The Undertaker's winning streak at WrestleMania this year...it will severely tarnish my love for wrestling forever. I mean it. I doubt I'll stop watching...I just know I won't enjoy it as much. Taker deserves not only another title run before retirement...but Batista deserves ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Let alone destroying a well-deserved legacy developed by a legend.

Batista is brutal. Period. Nothing proved this more than his pathetic attempt at commentary on "SmackDown!" the week before last. He is un-entertaining to the max. He is a sloppy worker and so unworthy of being a World Champion, it isn't funny. I cannot make it any more clear than this - if Batista defeats The Undertaker (or God forbid John Cena defeats The Undertaker!!) at WrestleMania 23, it will be the biggest kick to the balls to true wrestling fanatics (smarks or not) by WWE ever!

Donnie seemed to notice "RIP 14-0" written on Undertaker's gloves last night. Does this mean the streak is going to end? Would WWE actually make something that obvious to its viewers? Are we looking too far into this already? Are we about to completely shut down Tha O Show and swear off wrestling forever???

God, I hope not.

read more...

Worst Rumble Ever

Is there anything worse than all babyface booking that is pandering to the lowest common denominator? Aren't we all sick of seeing the same old crap?

For those who missed all the sports/entertainment action last night, let me bring you up to speed. The Suns won. Again. Tiger Woods won. Again. Roger Federer won. Again. John Cena won. Fuck.

At least Steve Nash sells adversity better than the Marine.

To recap this brutally booked show:

The Hardy Boys inexplicably defeated MNM. What the hell was the point of this match anyways? The ONLY way this match made ANY sense was if Nitro pinned Jeff to fuel an IC title rematch. Instead, The Hardys win clean. Will the Hardys now be elevated to a tag title program? NO, cuz they're not a real tag team. Mercury didn't get any revenge and now the feud is dead, and Nitro has lost momentum. Lovely.

Test got his first crack at a World Title, and despite all the promos where he claimed to be the Impact Player in ECW and where he guaranteed he'd win the belt... he decided to let himself be counted out. WHAAAAT?

He lost a match against Lashley last week on Sci Fi, then INTENTIONALLY loses on a PPV by countout? Does anyone else think those finishes should have been REVERSED? What the hell?

Then, we're treated to Ken Kennedy's challenge of 'Batitsa'. Look, plain and simple: Batista sucks. Okay. He can't work, he can't talk, all he does is shake the ropes and hit the SLOPPIEST Tiger Bomb in the history of Sports Entertainment.

Kennedy is a solid worker, great on the mic and has a compelling backstory. Why the hell not give him a sniff? Nope, keep the belt on dumb, boring ass Batista. The crowd was RED HOT for Kennedy and were chanting his name like mad! Aren't you LISTENING Vince? San Antonio is NOT a heel town. Never has been.

Ok, so now I'm thinking, it's been a babyface clean sweep, and all the champs have retained.... so the stage has been set for Umaga to be crowned new WWE Champ, right?

NO. OF COURSE NOT. THAT WOULD BE LOGICAL!

Cena, no-sells his injuries throughout the entire match to the point of embarrassment. Jim Ross was trying to sell them for John while he ran around the ring like it wasn't no thing.

The crowd was RED HOT for Umaga and were chanting his name like mad! Aren't you LISTENING Vince? San Antonio is NOT a heel town. Never has been.

Where the hell was Khali? They've been featuring him in Cena's face for weeks. Wouldn't this be the perfect time to bring him out and cost Cena the title? Dumb.

Then the Rumble Match. Much respect to Finlay who looked great. I mean really great. ECW was treated like ass in this match. Sure CM Punk was in there 20 or 25 minutes, but he didn't eliminate a single guy and just basically got tossed around.

The Undertaker came in at number 30, and was the first man to win from that spot. Again, dumb booking. Sure, it's nice to have a babyface accomplish a "first", but THAT first? A guy winning from the 30 spot sounds very heel-ish to me.

The final four were exactly what everyone predicted: Orton, Edge, HBK and Taker.

HBK eliminated the tag team champs, before he and Taker had a nice little match. I give them both credit, but why the hell do either of them need to win this match at this stage of their careers?

How about using this opportunity to MAKE a star? They've done it in the past with Benoit and Rey. Why not do it now?

The WWE has been saying they don't want baby versus baby title matches at Mania, but right now, that's what they're set up for.

Rumors of Taker versus Batista have been floating for months, but all the champs are babys. Regardless of which belt he decides he wants, Taker will not be beaten at WM23. Take that to the bank.

The booking tonight was not logical, it didn't serve to advance or elevate anyone, and simply catered to the ultra marks that filled the movie theatre Dan-e-o and I were in. By the way - much respect to P-Dawg for the hook ups.

So O-Sters, what did you think of this piece of crap?

read more...

Royal Rumble Predictions

Royal Rumble is one of the most original and intriguing wrestling pay-per-views of all time.

As they say...it's every man for himself...and anything can happen. Over the years, fans have witnessed this marquee event become one of the greatest spectacles in the business.

Part of the 'big four' PPVs (including WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Survivor Series), it can be argued that the Rumble is the second biggest pay-per-view of the year (sorry SummerSlam).

Not only because of its once-a-year unique battle royal main event (the sheer anticipation of seeing who comes out next is half the fun!) but because of its significance.

The winner, of course, goes on to WrestleMania to fight for a World Championship of his choice. The stakes could be no higher. Who will this year's winner be? Here's what Tha O Show thinks:

Hardys VS. MNM

Dan-e-o says: These two teams are embroiled in an awesome rivalry. We, as so-called smarks, often discuss how so few feuds in modern-day pro wrestling are ever given enough burn. Well, this one between the Hardys and MNM has been going on for months...and I love that there is actually a 'legitimate' reason to have it continued - that being the smashing of Joey Mercury's face via a ladder at Armageddon. The Hardys seems to always come out on top during their battles against each other so I expect MNM to finally exact their revenge on Sunday.

Winners: MNM

Ben Boudreau says: This has to be the best match on the card (except the Rumble of course). Have these two teams ever had a less than amazing match? Look for both teams to go all out as this will most likely be their final encounter. I'm going with MNM on this one, though it could easily go either way. The fans will be the real winners in this match.

Winners: MNM

Brian Plunkett says: This is the only match of the night that does not have a ton of WWE Fantasy points riding on it for me. Mercury is back and clean, Nitro is a budding star, and Matt Hardy will never get a push even if he were to sleep with Stephanie. In short, the two guys from MNM are going to be getting pushes soon, so it makes sense that they win.

Winners: MNM

Big Daddy Donnie says: Since each of my colleagues has picked MNM, I figure I should try to take the opposite stance. The Hardys are still insanely popular and would really pop the crowd - especially if this jerks the curtain. Here's the problem. This win leads to nowhere for either team, since partners from both are on separate brands. The only place this win can logically go is towards a rematch for the IC title for Nitro. I disagree with Plunkett's assessment that Nitro and Mercury are both inline for pushes. Nitro yes. Mercury is lucky he hasn't been cut. Therefore, I can't stick with The Charismatic Enigma and the guy who earned ZERO points in the WWE Fantasy Game this week.

Winners: MNM

ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley VS. Test

Dan-e-o says: I honestly have no idea why Bobby Lashley has received the push he has. You know something is wrong when a black guy can be considered 'vanilla'. Extreme, he is not. But in this era of shove-'em-down-your-throats champions, Lashley is the king of ECW. Oddly, Test winning the title would actually be worse. I remember reading in one of Mick Foley's books that he jokingly could hear Terry Funk moaning in pain somewhere the day Test first won the WWE Hardcore Championship. Imagine the dismay of both these hardcore legends if Test actually became ECW Champion.

Winner: Bobby Lashley

Ben Boudreau says: I look for Lashley to retain the ECW strap in what has to be the weakest match of the night.

Winner: Bobby Lashley

Brian Plunkett says: The only real purpose of ECW right now is to somehow make Lashley a star. That and keep RVD under contract so he can't go south. Even on a subpar show like ECW, Test would make a horrible champion. Gotta go with Black Lesnar.

Winner: Bobby Lashley

Big Daddy Donnie says: I would be beyond shocked to see Whitby, Ontario's finest (cough) bring the ECW title back to Durham Region. Test has had a decent run, but WHY THE HELL did he job CLEANLY to Lashley on the last episode of ECW on Sci Fi?! This concerns me a little when it comes to my prediction. If this was standard run of the mill WWE booking, it would guarantee a title for Test. This still sounds too insane to me... especially when you recall that this is the SAME guy who blamed Vince McMahon for killing Eddie Guerrero.

Winner: Bobby Lashley


World Heavyweight Champion Batista VS. Mr. Kennedy

Dan-e-o says: I have to consider the outcome of the Rumble match when thinking of this one. In recent memory, underdog babyfaces have won the big match (as in the cases of Chris Benoit and Rey Mysterio). And if a heel wins, it becomes his opportunity to become face (as in the case with Batista). My point? - A babyface is likely to go over in the Rumble - so the World Champion at WrestleMania should be a heel. My guess, though (or maybe just my hope) is that heel will be Umaga - and John Cena will be vying for the WWE Championship.

But I'm getting ahead of myself here. By my logic, I'd be picking Mr. Kennedy to win this match. I would love for him to, but something tells me the E isn't gonna strap the gold on this dude just yet. He may still get himself involved in the main event (like Shawn Michaels did with Benoit and HHH) if say, The Undertaker wins the Rumble - so that a heel is still present in the title picture mix. But again, I'm getting ahead of myself and making my thoughts on this prediction extra long. I'll make up for it by being super short in my next few predictions as they all seem to tie into this one. I see Kennedy and Taker and Batista in the World Title match at WrestleMania. With Kennedy costing Batista the title - that goes to Undertaker. So Batista holds it for now.

Winner: Batista

Ben Boudreau says: You all know where I stand on this one. Mr. Kennedy will become the World Heavyweight Champion. Look for outside interference by Taker setting up his match with Batista at Mania.

Winner: Mr. Kennedy

Brian Plunkett says: The Royal Rumble is a bad night to have the title change hands, especially for the first time in someone's career. I would liken this match to John Cena VS. Brock Lesnar at Backlash 2003 as far as the storyline behind it. Batista wins to give him some extra push heading into Detroit.

Winner: Batista

Big Daddy Donnie says: I'd LOVE to see Mr. Kennedy pull this one outta the fire and pick up a massive win. That being said, I don't see WWE taking the titles off their two top babyfaces in the same night, and I've got bigger fish to fry with The Marine.

That being said, I do believe Ken has a LOT more upside that Batitsa (ya I spelled that right) and they should try to protect him. I'm calling for a schmoz ending, likely with Undertaker stepping in.

Winner: Ken Kennedy by Disqualification

WWE Champion John Cena VS. Umaga (Last Man Standing Match)

Dan-e-o says: Trying to stick to my word here, I'm going to quickly choose Umaga as the winner of this match. The Last Man Standing stipulation allows for some devious tactics to ensue to secure the Samoan Bulldozer the victory. No roll-up will help Cena now. But considering that EVERYTIME I predict Cena will lose...he doesn't. It's my fault - I'm the jinx. So here goes...

Winner: John Cena (I hope this works).

Ben Boudreau says: This one will be stiff. Umaga will definitely take it to the champ, but I'm going with Cena by knockout in this one.

Winner: John Cena

Brian Plunkett says: Umaga was a short-lived gimmick. I believe that Cena will win tonight and spark the end of Umaga's push in WWE. By year's end, the Samoan Bulldozer will be no more. This is where the burial starts.

Winner: John Cena

Big Daddy Donnie says: What the fuck? Screw you guys and your Cena picks. UUUUUUUMAAAAAAGGAAAAAAA. If the plan was simply to set up a feud with Khali, why didn't they start that program after the NY's PPV? Khali was there. Cena was there. All they had to do was move Umaga onto someone else. I do think Khali will be dancing with Cena at Mania, but I think Umaga will be carrying the title with a spinning fish. Jinx be dammed. I refuse to pick that no selling son of a bitch. He could be facing Barry Horowitz and I'd still bet against him. Screw you Cena.

Winner and NEW WWE Champion: Umaga

30-Man Royal Rumble Match

Dan-e-o says: Based on my logic in predicting the Batista win and the need for a heel (Kennedy) in the title match at Mania, I'm going with The Undertaker. The storyline prediction is a longshot...but the rumours of Taker winning plus the fact that he damn-well deserves another title run before retiring PLUS the fact that he is already in a somewhat-feud with Kennedy who cost him the chance to be fighting for the title at the Rumble...tells me that ten years after winning the championship at WrestleMania 13, he'll do it again. (Man, I would mark out for that).

Winner: The Undertaker

Ben Boudreau says: I'm thinking it's either going to be Shawn Michaels or Taker that walks away with a main event spot at Mania. If I had to pick one I'll go with Shawn Michaels. This one is extremely difficult to call. I love the Rumble!

Winner: Shawn Michaels

Brian Plunkett says: It comes down to four guys - Shawn Michaels, Randy Orton, Edge and Undertaker. Edge spent most of 2006 feuding with Cena, so him winning is unlikely. Randy Orton isn't over at all compared to the other guys, so him winning is also unlikely.

According to dirt sheets, creative doesn't want a face VS. face match for Cena if the other face isn't Triple H, so Michaels can probably be scratched as well. I've got this lingering feeling; I doubt they would put Undertaker (in his dead man gimmick) into this match unless they intended on having it go somewhere. I'm gonna go with Mean Mark for this one.

Winner: The Undertaker

Big Daddy Donnie says: There has been a hell of a surge from the internet community for Taker. Amazing to me, because this icon who has never won this match appears to have more support from the IWC at the age of 42 (43 in March) than he ever has had before. I think there are a ton of possibilities. Shawn Michaels has to be considered. The 10 year reunion of his last Rumble win and in the SAME building! Then there's Edge. They've already laid the groundwork for a Rated RKO split and this could launch him to the main event. Of course, it's logical to think Randy and Edge will eliminate each other. If anyone from ECW wins, I'll never make a prediction again. This is really hard to call, but I'm going to go on a limb...

Winner: Shawn Mikes

read more...

If You Believe In Wrestling Heaven

"If you believe in forever,
Then life is just a one-night stand.
If there's a rock and roll heaven,
Well you know they've got a hell of a band."

It was 1974 when the previously broken up Righteous Brothers reunited to record this anthem in memory of their fallen peers.

Jim Croce, Jimi Hendrix, Janice Joplin and Otis Redding are a few of the artists who receive special mention.

With the recent passing of Scott "Bam Bam" Bigelow, I am called once again to reflect on the large number of professional wrestling superstars who I have grown up watching that have been taken from us too soon. I cannot help but think that if there is a hell of a band playing out there somewhere, there must also be one hell of a wrestling promotion too.

Imagine, if you will, your commentators Gorilla Monsoon and Gordon Solie welcoming you to the program. Your referees are Pee Wee Anderson, Mark Curtis, and Joey Marella.

It is sure to be a star studded event, as the list of talent is seemingly endless. Perhaps, it is announced that the main event will be a showdown among two of the greatest wrestling families of all time as the Von Erichs, comprised of Kerry, David, Mike, and Chris will be accompanied by Fritz to take on the Hart Foundation, comprised of Owen Hart, Dean Hart, "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith, and Brian Pillman accompanied by Stu Hart.

The heavyweight title picture is very interesting. Former AWA Champion "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig might be taking on his good friend and former WCW International Champion "Ravishing" Rick Rude. Right in the middle of the title hunt would former NWA World Champions Kerry Von Erich, Chris Candido, and Shinya Hashimoto, Former WWE World Champions Yokozuna, Andre the Giant, and Eddie Guerrero and former ECW World Champion "Bam Bam" Bigelow, among others.

A special monsters of the ring tournament could be announced. First round matches see Andre the Giant taking on his old nemises Big John Studd and Yokozuna battling Earthquake. Pride and honor beckon these larger than life superstars.

The tag team division would be able to thrive. Maybe you could see the team of Eddie Guerrero and Art Barr, known as Los Gringos Locos in action as they take on "Flyboy" Rocco Rock and Johnny Grunge, the Public Enemy or Gino Hernandez and "Gentleman" Chris Adams reunite to take on Chris Candido and Louie Spicolli. Earthquake and Dino Bravo, the Hart Foundation, and the Von Erichs are just some options to round out the full tag team roster.

If your style is more extreme or hardcore, this is the place to see some of the stiffest most brutal wrestlers of all time. Perhaps you could see a rematch of the battle of the Bam Bam's as Bam Bam Bigelow takes on Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy. Maybe all hell breaks lose when Shinya Hashimoto wrestles the incomprable Bruiser Brody. Maybe old school greats like the Sheik, Dick Murdoch, or "Hotstuff" Eddie Gilbert get involved.

There are s many possibilities when you think of some of the greatest names in the sport being able to square off. Possibly Road Warrior Hawk has a score to settle when he meets up with former Legion of Doom stablemate Buzz Sawyer. What would happen when two strongmen collide like Hercules and Dino Bravo? What about if two dogs collide with fan favorite, Junkyard Dog taking on Moondog Spot. Who knows, maybe even Sky-Low-Low and Little Beaver will get into the action. Wrestlers like The Big Bossman, Adrian Adonis, Gary Albright, Jay Youngblood, and "Pistol" Pez Whatley could have a great deal to contribute to the wrestling business as road agents if they were still with us. Perhaps in heaven, they are stealing the show.

There is even some room to create some of the stars of the future. Who knows what would have been had wrestlers like The Wall, Pitbull #2,Crash Holly, Russ Haas, the Renegade, Bobby Duncum Jr., and Big Dick Dudley had more time here on earth. Perhaps they could be the biggest superstars on the other side.

There are even a great deal of popular wrestling personalities to invigorate storylines. A jealous rift over the lovely Miss Elizabeth or a long feud with the incomparable Andy Kaufmann are just two possibilities. Sweet Sapphire, The Grand Wizard, "Classy" Freddie Blassie, Johnny Valentine, Lord Alfred Hayes and Bertha Faye are some additional ways to liven up a wrestler or angle.

This doesn't even touch upon previous generations who have gone before: Frank Gotch, Stanislaus Zbyszko, "Mr. Wrestling" Tim Woods, Lou Thesz, Ray "Crippler" Stevens, Stan "The Man" Stasiak, El Santo, "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers, Antonino Rocca, Rikidozan, Bob Orton Sr., Pat O' Conner, Bronko Nagurski, William Muldoon, Wahoo McDaniel, Hiro Matsuda, "High Chief" Peter Miavia, George Hackenschmidt, Gory Guerrero, Eddie Graham, Gorgeous George, Dory Funk Sr., Dick the Bruiser, Mike Dibiase, Haystacks Calhoun, Bobo Brasil, Giant Baba, Mr. Togo, and Prof. Tanaka are just a sample of deceased professional wrestlers who have passed who left an incredible legacy in the business. Perhaps in heaven they are in their prime and ready for action.

If indeed, there is a wrestling heaven, when it is my time to go, after I greet my family and friends, I hope to find my way to the grandstand for an incredible night of professional wrestling, because they sure do have a hell of a band.

Rest In Peace to all the former warriors of the squared circle. Your contributions are why we are here today. You are fondly remembered and greatly missed.

read more...

WSX Debuts...

Well, Vince said back in 2002 that the WWE needed competition in order to maintain their edge. He admitted they produced their best television when they were desperately trying to get one over on Bischoff and WCW Nitro. That war ended and the WWE went to a split brand gimmick, in an effort to create internal competition. That has in fact been a complete disaster.

TNA came along and looked to be a threat, but the WWE hasn't blinked an eye. Perhaps they will take notice of Wrestling Society X, a company that has been in the planning stages forever and finally made their television debut last night.

SpikeTV has been good to TNA, but MTV and their affiliated networks have 10 times the potential reach.

Last nights show was a bit of a mixed bag. It started with a RED HOT match that surpassed anything I've seen on RAW or TNA television for quite some timee. Jack Evans showed why he is considered the top high flyer in the world, but defeated Matt Sydal (accompanied by his Gap Model girl Lizzie) in a quick paced spot fest. Among Evans highspots ... a standing corkscrew shooting star press, and a 630 Senton Splash for the win. Dammn. Plus Sydal used one of my all time fav moves... The Gory Special. I marked out.

After profiling some of the tag teams we will be seeing in WSX (what? tag teams get air time? Weeeiiird. It'll never get over)

We moved on to an over the top rope royal rumble type match with a ladder match twist. After a certain number of men had been eliminated, ladders came into play, and guys would climb and try to grab one of two contracts. The contracts would put them in a match the following week for the new WSX Championship.

This match featured Vampiro, 6 Pac (Sean Waltman / X-Pac), Teddy Hart, New Jack, Youth Suicide, Kaos, Puma, Al Katrazz, Justin Credible and Chris Hamrick.

This match featured almost no selling whatsoever. Hey Cena, we found the perfect place for you to work!!

Teddy Hart is still an athletic freak of nature but still does stuff that makes you say "What the hell was that for?" If he can ever get his shit together, he is a money making machine.

Vampiro and 6 Pac grabbed the contracts and will face each other next week for the WSX title. It came down to the Canadian boy, Vamp and my Portuguese bro, Credible. Personally, I would have rather seen Credible snag a contract and the title next week.

This company needs instant credibility and what better way than to cut some promos stating that their champion is a former ECW World Champion back when ECW still mattered.

Vampiro would make a perfect foil, and set up Waltman as the heel who is sick and tired of being held back by shitty gimmicks and politics.

To me, that's the start of a great fed.

I was blown away by Jim Ross's arrogrance (or maybe ignorance) a week or two ago in one of his 500 blogs. He stated he knew very little about WSX and then openly asked "Who will their stars be?", suggesting there aren't stars out there for the taking.

Remember the old days Jim? Remember when your company MADE stars? Remember when the old ECW took WWF scraps and turned them into main eventers, that were respected and loved by the fans?

Remember the days when you would have loved to have been part of a young, hungry company like this?

WSX has a lot behind it and a lot to look forward to. I'm curious to see if MTV is in this for the long haul, or will put this show into re-runs after it's second week.

read more...

The Late Doug Gentry

Editor's Note: This column, written by ECW's Lou E. Dangerously is dedicated to Doug Gentry, one of the central figures behind RF Video and Ring Of Honor wrestling. Gentry died yesterday at the age of 34 due to complications from a bacterial infection in his heart. In addition to Lou's comments, all of us at Tha O Show wish our deepest sympathies to the Gentry family.

I found out today that Doug Gentry passed away earlier this morning. As everyone who knew him, I am floored. I haven't talked to Doug in a few years however that didn't matter with him. He was a very loyal person to his friends.

He was the kind of guy you didn't need to talk to all the time to know he was there if you needed him. The last time I saw him I believe was right around the time I worked my last show for PWF (Corino's fed) in March of 2003. So it's been awhile. However, when someone you know to be a good person passes, it still affects you.

I met Doug in 1993 when I started following Eastern Championship Wrestling. I met him at the same time I met Gabe Sapolsky, Rob Feinstein, Eric Gargiulo, John Clark, and others all at the historic ECW Arena. Wrestling was a dream for all of us then. Who would know what was to come for us in the years ahead.

We all followed each other and what we ended up doing. Gabe to go on to book ROH, Rob starting with RF Video and then to the 7-11 gimmick to the start of ROH, Eric who ended up announcing for several groups including ECW, and John Clark who does the sports for NBC 10 in Philadelphia. Doug made it to the ring before any of us doing the New Jersey Devil gimmick and getting choke slammed by 911.

Eventually he would go on to utilize the many relationships he created, because he was such a nice guy, to end up being very successful on the business end of professional wrestling. He did so much behind the scenes for so many people.

My heart goes out to his friends and family. This is truly a very sad time for many people. I am shocked.

Lou

read more...

John F*cking Cena

Editor's Note: The following column was written by Scott Baron esq. Baron is a loyal O-ster who decided to contribute a very well written piece for your enjoyment and discussion.

Women love him. Smarks loathe him. And seemingly no wrestler can beat him. He is...John Cena.

The mere mention of his name alone can strike a note of discord throughout Tha O Show. At best, he is the F-U-ing, money-making, heir apparent. At worst, he is the single most regrettable champion in recent memory. And at all times, he has been controversial.

No discussion of the E would be complete without “The Prototype” saluting his way into the comments section. He is the eternal elephant in the room. Though as Cena himself has said (with a tone of unintended irony): “The Champ IS here.”

So in the spirit of “stirring the pot,” and acknowledging the biggest subject of conversation; I submit to you this my first, and likely last article, analyzing the current champion of "Raw": Jonathan Felix Anthony Cena Jr.

Like it or not, Cena is one of the most popular topics of conversation on Tha O Show. But why? How has one wrestler become so hated amongst a group of wrestling fans?

(Before you skip to the comments section, keep in mind these questions are rhetorical and only used to bridge the introduction and body of the article).

To understand this, one must look at Cena’s meteoric rise. John Cena debuted some five years ago under the gimmick of “that one guy… who sometimes hangs out with Billy Kidman”. Ironically, the future champion would arrive as a nobody, fighting most of his early matches as an underdog. To gain popularity he joined the likes of mid-carders: Mysterio, Edge and Billy Kidman as (prophetically) the future of wrestling.

After a possibly unintentionally popular Halloween skit with Stephanie McMahon, John Cena had changed gimmicks from “generic wrestler #1” to “subversive white rapper.” The gimmick caught on and before you could say “Word Life” and John was filling the role currently held by Mr. Ken Kennedy. Cena fought top draws like Undertaker and Brock Lesnar, all-the-while busting comedic gangsta raps on his opponents. Anyone remember these gems?

On Zach Gowan in Detroit:

We just saw Brock Lesnar break Zach Gowan's only good leg.
Zach should cut his losses and learn to walk on wooden pegs.
Everyone knew he was gonna get smoked like a joint.
Forget his handicap, Zach sucks ‘cause he's from Detroit.
The only time you people look good is at nighttime during a blackout.
This ain't Joe Louis Arena, it's the World's Biggest Crackhouse.
And please read between the lines, because I'm giving you the finger.
Detroit's got more white trash than Jerry Springer.
The best part about this city is that I'm leaving here tomorrow.
You think I suck? Well I know that you swallow!

On Brock Lesnar:

I’m untouchable, you can’t beat my ability.
I’m like a basic math problem Brock… you just can’t finish me
Tonight I teach Brock a lesson like Mr. Miyagi did.
But he's not Daniel LaRusso and this ain't the Karate Kid.
Yeah my pants are sagging, cause I've been working my ass off.
Tonight I'll put the 'wax on' to a kid that whacks off.

On Undertaker:

Yo, my practice is chiropractic. Dude I’ll break your back
So you’re a dead man? Well I’m a necrophiliac!

Rivalries with main powers like Lesnar, Guerrero and Undertaker elevated Cena’s game. His tag-line was hot. His throwback chain used as a weapon was a great tie in from gimmick to wrestling. The use of a rival team’s jersey was a new twist on a classic heel move. And his freestyle raps, omitting a final swear gave him an almost rebellious feel, similar in ways to Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Cena said it best himself, “I make it cool to root for the bad guy.” It’s true, John Cena had a smark following!

But what happened? How could a wrestler switch from smark favorite to embodiment of all that’s wrong in wrestling?

At this point, Cena had become a main-event player, splitting his matches with more experienced opponents, but not losing momentum. The fans wanted to see him win and he did.

WWE could not hide Cena’s popularity any longer…he was turning face. The fans wanted it and they got it. Still, contrary to popular belief, his early face turn was not the catalyst for his coming unpopularity. His gimmick was still the same. His “ground and pound” attack remained. He was still the John Cena we loved as a heel.

And soon Cena was rewarded for his popularity by winning his first singles belt: The US title (from The Big Show). Truly the world could not see him.

Cena was over (for a mid-card belt), but the wheels were already in motion for his inevitable World Title. 'The Doctor of Thuganomics' had begun two joint merchandizing ventures: a rap album and a feature-length film. PWI stated that Cena had become a corporate shill, and merchandizing machine. His raps had become watered down to appeal to wider audience (those who still support the champion today) and were eventually dropped all together. (Rumor has it that the popular raps were eliminated because their unpredictable nature made share-holders of the publicly traded WWE uneasy). Along with the raps, Cena also dropped his signature throwbacks, retro pump reeboks, steel chain and brass knuckles.

The edgy style, which took Cena to the limelight, was softened and changed to a more all-american gimmick to suit his new movie. Cena had, in essence, changed who he was to put over a commercial venture.

His wrestling was also toned down after winning the title. Watch Cena in 2003 to compare with today’s World Champion. His punches, clotheslines and shoulderblocks were all stiffer and better sold. Also gone were the Killswitch and Freestyle Fisherman Suplex. Unlike many on this board, I believe Cena can and HAS sold moves. I trust this too was watered down to appeal to a wider audience. His gritty, ground and pound attack was dropped in favor of a more neutral and generic punch/shoulderblock combination.

Perhaps the idea behind this was to soften his image more favorably for the younger and more feminine demographic. Today Cena fights heels whose finishers are thumbs to the neck and chops to the head. An All-American face appealing to more sensitive viewers cannot have harder punches and more brutal moves than the heels he faces.

Injuries he sustains are also being downplayed. Once again, I believe Cena has with him the capacity to sell injuries, as he had done in matches against Lesnar, Show and Undertaker. I believe this too was done for the benefit of his remaining fan-base. Sensitive fans tend to be more casual viewers. Since the E relies heavily on sales from Cena’s merchandise, some have likely calculated that keeping these viewers should be their number one goal.

What would be the easiest way of turning off these viewers? Seeing their hero/crush in either pain or parity booking. Without the initial grit of Cena’s moves, they appeared weak and limited. This caused some to question why he should be put over more versatile fighters such as Edge, Booker T, Christian, Jericho and RVD; any one of whom had toiled as midcarders longer than Cena had even been wrestling. The answer of course is simple --- merchandising.

Cena was no longer the scrapper working his way to the top. He wasn’t a wrestling fan who made it as champion. He wasn’t even the innovative and edgy white rapper we grew to love. Cena had become the wrestling embodiment of safe-playing corporate decision-making and limitless mass marketing. He was a superstar; a multimedia maven, and an inevitable winner (regardless of opponent). Worst of all, in the minds of many smarks, Cena had betrayed them. Through no fault of his own, Cena had committed the cardinal sin: he went soft; he changed who he was; he sold out.

But unlike many of you, I feel Cena has promise. I felt that when I saw him hitting protobombs and protoplexes in OVW. I felt that when I saw him debut against Kurt Angle. I felt that when he ran around with B2 and Red Dogg. I felt that when he won his first title. And I still feel that today.

Certainly he may not be “the showstopper” but neither was Shawn Michaels when he first started. I feel Cena improved greatly during his rivalry with Edge and I believe will continue to do so as other promising midcarders (Nitro, Carlito, Masters, Benjamin, etc.) are brought to the limelight on "Raw".

I’m not saluting the Marine, but I’m also not sniping at him constantly.

Well I’ve spoke my piece on The Marine, it’s open mic hour and time to shoot. Get it all out now, cause I’m tired as hell of hearing about how bad he is each week on "Raw". Word.

read more...

"iMPACT!": O's and NO's

TNA has been on a downslide all this month. They had a very successful Turning Point pay-per-view and had one of their best "iMPACT!" programs ever the Thursday afterwards.

After that, however, things turned ugly for them, and they continue to get worse. Last night, they showed some signs of stopping the bleeding, but it was still not a very good show.

With that in mind, here are Tha O's and NO's from Wednesday night's "iMPACT!":

Tha O's:

Christopher Daniels in the main event. I mentioned a long time ago that this guy should be integrated into the title picture sometime this year. He's got skills on the stick, he's got good skills in the ring. If used correctly, he could be TNA's version of Shawn Michaels circa 1996. I don't know how many of you have seen him live, but I have seen him live three times, and he is electric in the ring. I think the short promo he had tonight was a segue for him to jump into the
title picture.

The Eric Young/James Storm segment. If not for the actual skit itself, then for what it's implying. A Young/Storm feud would be big time money, and could help elevate both guys to main event status. They're gonna get there eventually, and they're gonna be there for a long time to come when they do.

Konnan's promo. LAX needs to get put over as much as possible right now, because if Konnan does end up out of the picture, no one is really sure how well Homicide or Hernandez can handle the mic.

Mitchell's promo. It's good to see that for the moment, TNA is not gonna take away the brain behind Abyss' brawn. It's nearly impossible for a non-speakeing character to get over without a manager, so yanking Mitchell right now would be a very bad idea.

Tha NO's:

The Abyss/Sting storyline took another craptacular turn tonight. The way the crowd reacted showed that nobody was compelled at all by this. Which is probably because nothing about this promo makes sense. Sting, regarded as one of the best wrestlers of his time, comes to the ring and essentially says "Hey, I'm gonna do the one thing that will really piss you off, and then I'm gonna let you use me as a punching bag".

Then, after Abyss "beats up" Sting all throughout the "iMPACT!" Zone, Mitchell shows up and lights a tacky looking fireball, which made absolutely no sense. And then, the best part of all of it - the cutaway to West and Tenay, who are clearly reading from scripts! This is the all-time lowlight of TNA, bar none.

The Samoa Joe/Kurt Angle/Christian Cage storyline. Cage and Angle have proven countless times in the past that they are more than capable of putting on a great storyline without anyone else being thrown into the mix. TNA needs to let them do that instead of throwing Joe in, whose promos every week basically tell the fans "Hey, Angle wins at Against All Odds". I don't honestly care who the consultant is, either.

VKM...for now. The sketches are horribly tasteless, but it would seem that they are using them as the launching pads for a women's division in TNA. TNA is starting to get more and more women in their company, and there are still more available (Amy Dumas, Ivory, Jazz and Molly Holly just to name three), so a women's division might be a good thing in the future.

Not right now, but a build-up like this one seems to me like a good way to get a full head of steam for it. Maybe they could even have Kip James job to a few women wrestlers too. Getting back to my original point - I like where it would appear to be going, but I don't like where it's at right now.

The Four-Way X Division Match. This is the sort of thing that tag team matches are typically used for. Or, even better, just not have Sabin job to Lynn; that works just as well.

TNA has still got big problems. Looking at past shows, tonight's offering almost looked good by comparison. I've begun to watch archive videos of older episodes of "iMPACT!" just so that I can be entertained by TNA again.

read more...

Words From Stro: "Bam Bam, My Birthday, And More "

Ed: The following column was written by The Stro formerly The Maestro in World Championship Wrestling

Hello Everyone! Hope you all are having a good week. For those of you who don't know by now, my birthday is coming up this Friday January 26th.

A huge thank you to those of you who already have sent me ecards, birthday cards, emails, and birthday wishes.

You all are the best! I really do appreciate you! If you would like to send me an ecard or send me birthday wishes, you can so at either stro4ya@yahoo.com or at:

Stro
P.O. Box 12492
Jacksonville, NC 28546

Now on with the "Words From Stro"

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bam Bam Bigelow. A few weeks ago, I was just discussing with another talented big man wrestler, Corey Edsel about how I had such respect for Bam Bam.

I had the priviledge and pleasure of meeting, wrestling, and working with this great man. I have bumped into Bam Bam a few times over the years. Watching some of his matches over the years was a real treat with guys like Andre The Giant, Barry Windham, Ric Flair, Tazz, Bret Hart,etc.. Wrestling him was such an honor.

It was amazing to see a big man be as agile as he was. A 300 plus pound man doing cartwheels, springboard splashes over the top rope, and flying headbutts from the top rope...wow! I will never forget the time he caught me and twirled me in the air like a human frisby! I thought my body was never going to hit the canvas!

He was such a great guy both in and out of the ring. A few years ago, when I heard that he rushed into a fire getting 2nd degree burns to save some children ... it just floored me. What a courageous and brave man he was. My deepest heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends. We will never forget you big guy!

I would like to wish a speedy recovery to Triple H. To comeback from quad surgery twice takes guts. Triple H is an athlete and a true professional to tough it out and continue his matches when the injuries occured. Wishing "The Game" the best and hope he returns to the ring soon.

Would like to give out a hearty "Thank you" to all the fans in Hinton, West Virginia for their warm reception of me a few weeks back at the NWA Mountain State event. Meant a lot and I really do appreciate it. I hope to return to your area very soon.


Tales from the Lair
____________________



It was March 6, 1995 at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, Tennessee. On this night, the main event was a "hair vs. hair" match pitting former NWA world champion Tommy "Wildfire" Rich and myself (as Gorgeous George III) against PG-13 (JC Ice and Wolfie D). This is a feud that has involved "mamas", street fights, etc. The match was wild involving lots of nearfalls along with chains , hubcaps, you name it. A returning Doug Gilbert then comes out to assist our team to seal our victory over PG-13 and thus they have to have their heads shaved."


Stro Mailbox
____________________

Jack from West Virginia

"Stro! Was great seeing you in Hinton, WV. When will you be back this way?"

Stro : Good to hear from you Jack! Had a great time in Hinton. Plan on returning to that area real soon.

Cindy from London

"Hello Stro. What do you think of John Cena using a version of one of your old finishing submissions the STF. You called it the Encore correct?"

Stro : You are correct Cindy. Still use it from time to time to this day. Cena's version is a bit different from my "Encore" version. Sometimes I'll tork my opponent's body to the side or in a modified surfboard position much like what Masahiro Chono does at times with his STF in Japan. The STF is a very lethal submission that puts a lot of pressure on the neck and spine.

Evan from Texas

"Stro, Is it true you wrestled with Black Bart amd Wild Bill Irwin? Remember watching them fight the Von Erichs growing up."

Stro: Yes I sure did several years back. I too also grew up watching some of the Texas legends like the Von Erichs, Bruiser Brody, Killer Tim Brooks, Al Madril, etc.


To email feedback for the mailbox section
of the Words from Strozilla column, email to:
wordsfromstrozilla@yahoo.com. Let me hear from you!

To book Stro formerly WCW's Maestro (U.S. and Internationally) for
appearances,autograph signings,seminars,or for your
pro wrestling event, email at:stro4ya@yahoo.com
(Please put booking somewhere in the subject line)

Some upcoming events and more:

Stro's Birthday
January 26th

Feb 10 2007 7:45 pm
ACPW event @ Roseboro, North Carolina
http://www.freewebs.com/acpwpro

Mar 3 2007 8:00PM
Pro wrestling event @ Jefferson County Community Center

Mar 4 2007 3:00P
Mason Dixon Pro Wrestling @ Craig Civic Center
Kingswood, WV
http://www.masondixonpro.com

Mar 10 2007 8:00PM
XWA Pro wrestling event @ Belmont, North Carolina

Mar 17 2007 8:00P
ACPW event @ E.E. smith Middle School in Kenansville, North Carolina
http://www.freewebs.com/acpwpro

Thank you all for taking the time to read my column. Till next time,you all have a great week.Please remember our brave men and women soldiers who fight and protect for all of us. Be safe and thank you all for your friendship and support! GOD bless!

"Nobody can go toe to toe with the Stro!"

thestro.com

read more...

My Take On Carlito

Ever since Carlito debuted on "SmackDown!" a couple years ago, there's been a ton of hype surrounding the second generation Superstar. Quite frankly, he deserves all the hype he's received. He's got unlimited charisma, tremendous in ring ability, and that illusive "it factor" necessary to become a future WWE Champion.

All of these qualities were also used to describe another cocky young heel a few years ago on "SmackDown!". This future WWE Champion's name was John Cena.

How dare I compare the great Carlito to the smark despised Cena? Well, I see more parallels between the two than most of my contemporaries. It seems Carlito has somehow gotten a free pass for many of the sins John Cena has been condemned for.

Much like Cena, when Carlito debuted he was a young, brash, cocky heel who spit in the face of tradition. He had that edge of a future huge fan favorite. It was just a matter of time.

Then, it happened. Carlito inevitably turned babyface. I personally enjoyed his program with an up and coming Chris Masters. The problems I have with Carlito began soon after he won his program with Masters. When Carlito began his on screen relationship with Trish, I assumed it was going to end badly for Ms. Stratus.

I was sure Carlito was going to be the scumbag has was originally portrayed as. I mean what would get Carlito more over than not only bagging Trish, but leaving her high and dry after he got what he wanted? To me, that would have made Carlito a huge hero to all the red blooded American (and Canadian) young men.

It was not to be. Let's face it, Carlito's relationship with Trish was old fashioned vanilla. Exit Trish Stratus, enter Torrie Wilson. Almost seamlessly Carlito was now in another relationship with the top blonde on the E roster.

Remind me again why this wouldn't make me resent the Carlito character. In my mind this makes him the guy with the ridiculous hair cut and questionable clothing choices that gets to shag some of the hottest women on television. There's absolutely no edge to the relationship. Once again, Carlito is vanilla.

I know what you're thinking. "Hey, Ben. Wrestling is a work! It's not Carlito's fault, it's the writers!". Ah...but there lies the basis for my argument. Is it not true that John Cena's character his also been hijacked by WWE creative?

The once raw and cutting edge heel has been transformed into every ten year-old boy's favorite action movie star and troop supporter. Nobody has a problem condemning Cena for becoming vanilla. In fact, vanilla would actually be the most civil way Cena has been described for the past couple years on Tha O Show.

Technical ability aside, what exactly is the difference between the Carlito and John Cena's characters? They both have been instrumental in the anti-Vince vignettes the past couple weeks on "Raw". I'll tell you the difference. Cena is on top. Carlito has been struggling as a mid-carder for the past year on "Raw".

Every time you think he's going to get a break, he gets knocked down again. He makes you want him to succeed. Cena on the other hand, has been on top for the past couple years no matter what is thrown in front of him. It makes you resent the guy.

While there certainly are many other factors that separate Carlito from John Cena, I would suggest to you that both of their main problem is the same: WWE creative. The E sees fit to make Cena indestructible and make Carlito struggle to stay above curtain jerk status.

However, they also see fit to make both characters absolutely vanilla. Both are bring marketed to the younger audience. Both have teddy bears in their likeness. Yet Carlito always seems to fly under the smark radar of scrutiny.

Am I suggesting Carlito is undeserving of the credentials he's been endowed with? Absolutely not. I am merely trying to point out that in a business that's a work, talent doesn't always have a say in how their character is portrayed. In the case of both John Cena and Carlito, they both come off extremely vanilla. Both men will undoubtedly turn heel once again at some point in the future.

Both men will both live up to their initial hype once again as not only Carlito, but Cena too will be winning the hearts and minds of the smark community. Until then, perhaps Carlito's character should not escape the same scrutiny that Cena's has.

read more...

TNA Needs Another Title

It seems like one of the things that TNA loves to plug is how fast it is growing as a company. Even a heel Jeff Jarrett put the company over in his kayfabe interview following Bound For Glory.

Here's the problem: With the company and roster growing the way it has been, the roster has clearly overgrown, and very good talent is consequently being underused.

With Russo writing, right now would not be the best time to do it, but TNA needs a fourth title. And there are several very good reasons as to why they do.

First off, like I said, the roster is too big right now. There simply are not enough storylines and feud to go around, and because of this, guys get thrown into other feuds without any apparent rhyme or reason (again, I'm going to use Petey Williams as my example).

The X Division is especially crowded, which is why the title has been hot-shotted so much as of late. Adding another title would give some of these guys something to do instead of being mired in either an overcrowded X Division or just not doing anything at all.

Secondly, it gives TNA more leverage as far as getting a two-hour spot. Four titles means at least four guaranteed feuds. For them to play out right and spark interest, all of the feuds should be given at least a little bit of time every week. Title storylines are money when done correctly, and a fourth title could perhaps convince Spike TV that they do need two hours to properly develop all of their angles so that they are done correctly.

I will admit, the last two hour TNA event was a clusterf*ck, but they had almost no experience in putting out a free two hour show (as it was only the second two hour "iMPACT!" in the Spike TV era), so of course it's going to come off looking bad. The sooner they get a two hour time slot, the sooner they can figure out what they're doing, which will lead to more success.

Lastly, believe it or not, adding a fourth title will actually add prestige to the other titles. There is a large consensus throughout the wrestling world that the more titles you have, the less value they have. For the most part, this is true, but it is not in this case. WWE had seven titles from 1998-2001, and most of them seemed to be viewed as respected titles.

Having a fourth title would allow TNA to let their talented superstars get title runs without having to treat the title like a hot potato to do it, as well as give a chance to superstars who deserve title runs (again, gonna use Team Canada's former captain as my example here).

Is another title the solution to all of TNA's storyline problems? No. But it will go a long way in helping to get rid of the "Figure this shit out if you can, folks!" feeling that TNA has had to it over the past month or so.

read more...

Hornet's Nest: Respect The Ring

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to help with the Samoa Joe seminar in Hamilton, Ontario.

I will not get into the details of the seminar as it would be unfair to the people who paid money to be there. However, I do want to talk about one thing that happened.

Maybe an hour before the seminar was scheduled to begin, the top rope snapped. We all helped to repair the ring and the seminar went off without a hitch.

As I watched us all help repair the ring - the ring that I was originally trained in - I was reminded of all the times I moved that ring around Ontario.

I remember many of us who were getting into the business at the time, going to many different shows just to help with the ring (and anything else, for that matter). There were times that Matt Burns and I wouldn't get home until about 5 or 6 in the morning because we were moving the ring from a show back to the gym.

But, even moreso, I remember people not wanting to help with the ring. For example, a couple of shows in May of 2005 where a bunch of students in this particular school/promotion would not help with the ring. There were also some students who had just recently started doing shows who would not help either.

I am not sure why they did not help. I don't know if it was laziness. I don't know if they thought the ring was not their responsibility. Or maybe they thought they were too good to help with the ring. What upset me more was that the trainer of these guys and girls did not seem to care at all.

When I was in England working for All Star Wrestling, we all had to do ring duty. Each and every one of us. It was a team effort. We were a team. And if you weren't a team player then you had to face wrestler's court.

The ring, is our ring. We may not own the ring and we may not have rented the ring, but it is ours. It's where we work. It's where we make money. It's where we hurt ourselves. It's where we are happiest. It's where we choose to be. It is our responsibility.

Yes, it is the promoter's responsibility. Yes, it is the owner's responsibility. But if you plan on being in that ring then you have to respect it as well. How many indy workers out there say "Pro wrestling is my life" every day, but won't help with the ring if they're needed? A lot. And that's sad.

Perhaps there are many that will not understand this until they have wrestled full-time. Maybe they need the ring to put a roof over their head and food on their table to see what it really means to us as professional wrestlers. Whether you understand it or not you should show the ring respect, show the business respect, and it will respect you back.

The International Superstar, Hornet, is a five year ring vet who has worked all over the world. You can visit him online by going to myspace.com/hornetwrestling

read more...

Let's Get Ready To Rumble!

I must say, last night's edition of "Raw" was pretty well written and performed. Maybe it's because it's that time of year again - Royal Rumble time - one of my all-time favourite pay-per-views takes place this Sunday.

Although WWE has tended to somehow soil this awesome event in the past (I wasn't a huge mark for Rey Mysterio's win last year), Royal Rumble is one of the E's most intriguing events.

It allows for so many possibilities. Not just in terms of who will become the new #1 contender for a major championship within the company...but for the potential feuds, angles, breakups and unions that can be created in such a match.

Last night's "Raw" helped to set this concept up pretty well. Especially through the end-of-the-night schmoze that connected feuds between Shawn Michaels-Randy Orton-Ric Flair-Kenny Dykstra and Carlito.

All wrestling fans should seriously take their hats off to Shawn Michaels and Edge. They define the essence of the true main-eventer. These two men are recipients of some major surgeries - Edge (neck), HBK (back) - and they still have untouchable workrates in WWE's biggest matches.

Last night's Street Fight between the two was brilliantly played out not only because these superstars have been embroiled in a heated feud for several weeks, but because they pulled out all the stops. The match had a pay-per-view quality to it. Major O's go out to Edge's suplexing of the ladder off the top rope onto a laid out Shawn Michaels. Creative and incredible. Edge continues to be the man.

Another Edge-earned O occurs as he takes a face (or in this case, a body) plant from the top rope to the ladder laying on the steel steps in the ring. Neither HBK nor Edge are ever afraid of getting busted open. Neither are ever afraid of giving their all on free TV, let alone a PPV. Both men are O-champs in their own right...I expect to see both in the dying seconds of the Rumble match this Sunday. Either competitor would be more than deserving of winning it all.

In addition, although many may disagree, I actually like the ongoing angle involving the Hardys and MNM. I think it's pretty inventive and original to have these teams REMAIN tag teams although the partners compete on separate brands. It might not make logical sense to have the members appear on any brand they feel like at any time (why wasn't Jeff at "SmackDown!" to make the save for Matt last week and vice versa for Matt on "Raw" this week?), but hey how often are most of these stories all that logical to begin with?

I think by having the split-branded tag-teams, it allows for the superstars to be part of several (or at least two) feuds at once. For example, together MNM still hate the Hardys for the legit damage done to Joey Mercury at Armaggedon...but as singles competitors, there is still the Intercontinental Championship at stake (as Nitro and Jeff have fought over numerous times) and the opportunity for greater development of an angle over in the singles world on "SmackDown!".

Mad props to Joey Mercury by the way. He remains on the active roster even after the horrific damage done to his face earlier this month. I don't know if he actually NEEDS to sell the injury...but it definitely works for his revenge story on WWE TV and is guaranteed to earn him stripes amongst the boys in the locker room and (hopefully in time) the fans in the seats.

What's with Vince McMahon's feud with Donald Trump? I was really hoping an angle with Carlito would take greater shape this week. I guess that was just wishful thinking. No Carlito push via a McMahon match at Mania. Instead, young Carly jobs to Kenny Dykstra in a 'blink and you'll miss it' match. Things aren't looking so cool for Carlito these days.

Speaking of his loss...am I alone in thinking that the age-old "he grabbed the tights" gimmick is stupid? I mean, does grabbing the tights really prevent anyone from being able to kick out of a pinning predicament?

And did John Cena call Vince McMahon a "pussbag"? Normally, I'd think that was funny. But as usual, Cena just comes off corny to me. Never one to avoid an opportunity to diss the WWE Champion, is it just me or is his salute (you know where he bends his pinky in a way that looks like it hurts) friggin' annoying or what?

I'll give Cena his due though (can you believe I'm saying that?). I truly didn't expect him to lay there on the table and allow Umaga to splash him through it off the top rope. Really nice spot.

The Super Crazy/Chris Masters match looked too choreographed for me. Normally quickly executed moves just seemed too slow and rehearsed for my liking. As well, Super Crazy is an awesome competitor...but could the writing staff not come up with something better than "He's Super" and "He's Crazy". Which brainiac came up with that idea? That'll get the luchadore over in no time, I'm sure.

Although Cryme Tyme won an opportunity to compete for the World Tag Team Championship at New Year's Revolution (which either the fans or WWE itself will forget by the time they actually get their match - I mean, do you really see them fighting Rated RKO anytime soon?), this tag-team remains a backstage comedy act.

I must admit...the selling of fake Royal Rumble entry numbers was slightly humourous. But selling Ron Simmons a fake "The Scream" painting was really funny. The "Damn!" line - which otherwise is getting played out - worked amazingly this week.

Now, let's get ready to rumble!

read more...